House Begins to Forward Bills onto Senate

The House today passed over a hundred bills including measures relating to the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center and the state’s request for a waiver from certain requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Other bills passed by the House include measures that address invasive species and biosecurity in Hawaii; provide tax credits for cesspool upgrades, conversions and connections; provide funding for the development of “micro apartment” housing units, for a new prison on Oahu, and matching funds to purchase body cameras for police officers and to establish a Honolulu Police Department Body Camera Pilot Program. These bills now crossover to the Senate for its consideration.

Today marks the first decking deadline in the legislative process, when all measures must pass out of its final committee to be considered for a vote by the full House or Senate. Each chamber has until next Thursday, March 12, to vote on all remaining measures that have made it out of their respective committees. Some items still up for consideration next week include measures relating to medical marijuana dispensaries, the rail surcharge tax and private-public partnerships for Maui’s public hospitals.

The House will next convene in session on Tuesday, March 10, at 9 a.m.

Following next Thursday’s crossover deadline, the House will focus its attention on HB500, relating to the state budget, which must be passed out of the committee on Finance by March 16 and voted on by the full body by March 18.

A highlight of bills passed by the House today include:

HB544 requires the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to study the feasibility of selling or leasing the building that houses the UH Cancer Center.

HB576, HD 1 amends the scope of work of the State Innovation Waiver Task Force to assist it in developing a state innovation waiver in compliance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

HB766, HD 1 makes an appropriation for the construction of micro apartment housing units to meet the increasing demand for housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

HB840, HD 1 directs the Director of Public Safety to prepare a request for proposals for the design, construction and operation of a community correctional facility on Oahu to ensure the continued safety of the public and better serve the inmate population of the state.

HB133, HD 1 provides an income tax credit for costs incurred in new hotel construction or renovation of an existing hotel facility to provide incentive for investments in tourism infrastructure.

HB365, HD 1 appropriates moneys as a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu to purchase body cameras for their police officers and to establish a Honolulu Police Department Body Camera Pilot Program, provided that the City and County of Honolulu provide matching funds on a one-to-one basis.

HB1040, HD1 requires the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to develop and contract with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) for an expanded economic model that establishes the impact of and the cost to mitigate the most significant invasive species in the state and appropriate funds for that contract.

HB1050 mandates the state Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to perform specified tasks to address the interisland spread of invasive species that harms agriculture, native biota, public health and the economic well-being of the state.

HB1403, HD 1 requires the state Department of Agriculture to establish a little fire ant Pesticide Treatment Coupon Pilot Project and site map and to submit reports to the Legislature prior to the 2016 and 2017 Regular Sessions.

HB871, HD 1 helps to protect the fragile ecosystem of the state and prevent harm to economically important agricultural crops by enhancing the state’s inspection and biosecurity program and by requiring the state Department of Agriculture to establish or participate in private-public partnerships to enhance the biosecurity program and quarantine inspection process.

HB1140, HD 1 provides a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting a cesspool to a septic system or an aerobic treatment unit system, or connecting to a sewer system to protect public health, the quality of near-shore waters, and the state’s drinking water supply by reducing the number of cesspools throughout the state.

A complete list of bills passed by the House to date is available on the Capitol website at:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/advreports/advreport.aspx?year=2015&report=deadline&active=true&rpt_type=firstCross&measuretype=HB&title=House%20Bills%20Crossed%20Over%20to%20the%20Senate

House Adopts Special Committee Report on Rep. Say

The House today voted to adopt the final report of the special committee formed to investigate Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say’s qualifications to represent District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki).

The committee earlier reviewed written documentation and hearing presentations from attorneys for the parties challenging and defending Rep. Say’s qualifications to represent District 20. Based on its findings, the committee drafted a written report in which it outlined the process of its investigation and basis for its final decision.

The report noted that the committee followed procedures that were consistent with the way other state legislatures handled similar internal investigations. The report also noted that the bulk of the documents submitted to the committee by both parties were previously reviewed by the Honolulu City Clerk’s office and the State Office of Elections in earlier unsuccessful challenges.

The special committee found no “compelling evidence” that Rep. Say did not meet the requisite qualifications to represent District 20. The full House concurred.

Information and public documents relating to the matter are available on the committee’s site at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/specialcommittee.aspx?comm=hsc&year=2015.

Legislature forms Outdoor Heritage Caucus

Today, Senator Laura Thielen (25th Senatorial District) and Representative Cindy Evans (7th House District) announced the launch of the Outdoor Heritage Caucus. The caucus's mission is to identify, protect, and promote the State of Hawai‘i's heritage of subsistence hunting and fishing, outdoor cultural practices and recreational activities, and to foster appreciation and respect for outdoor heritage.

The caucus will focus on: (1) ensuring public access to public lands for the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits; (2) safeguarding the integrity of user-pays trust funds, license revenues, and other dedicated financial contributions by hunter men and women, fishermen and women, and outdoor recreational users; and (3) enhancing state aquatic and wildlife habitat conservation for current and future generations. Legislators in this caucus will watch national debate on issues related to outdoor cultural practices, recreational activities, and hunting and fishing.

"We are pleased to announce the formation of the Outdoor Heritage Caucus," Evans stated. "With population growth and challenges of liability, many people are looking at our natural resources from different aspects. We need to find balance to make sure that we can use the outdoors but still maintain protection of our natural resources so we can pass on our practices. The group of legislators in this caucus would like to send a strong statement that we value the quality of life in Hawai‘i and perpetuate the joys and opportunities outdoors for future generations."

"The Outdoor Heritage Caucus is a great way to showcase and advocate for outdoor recreation in Hawai‘i," said Thielen. As more and more residents and tourists explore our state's varied outdoor recreational opportunities, it is important to ensure that there is adequate support and funding for these opportunities."

Speaker Emeritus Say Meets Qualifications to Hold Office

After reviewing written documentation and hearing presentations from attorneys for the parties challenging Speaker Emeritus' Calvin Say’s qualifications to represent District 20 (St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki) and defending Speaker Emeritus Say, the special House committee formed to investigate the matter determined that Speaker Emeritus Say is qualified to represent District 20. 

The committee will issue a written report to the House in which it outlines the process of its investigation and basis for its final decision. The report is available for viewing at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/committeefiles/special/hsc/mc1003_hspcr2-15_.pdf

The report noted that the committee followed procedures that were consistent with the way other state legislatures handled similar internal investigations. The report also noted that the bulk of the documents submitted to the committee by both parties were previously reviewed by the Honolulu City Clerk’s office and the State Office of Elections in earlier unsuccessful challenges. 

The committee found no “compelling evidence” that Speaker Emeritus Say did not meet the requisite qualifications to represent District 20. 

The committee operated under several constitutional provisions, including one relating to requirements for holding office as a member of the House of Representatives (Article III, Section 6). Under the provision, the Hawaii State Constitution sets three qualifications to be a member of the House of Representatives: 1) be a resident of the state for not less than three years; 2) have attained the age of majority; and 3) be a qualified voter of the representative district from which the person seeks to be elected prior to filing nominations papers and continuing thereafter. 

Because Speaker Emeritus Say has long been and continues to be a registered voter in District 20 and meets the other two requirements, the committee found that the representative met the necessary qualifications. The committee recommended no further action be taken. 

The committee’s report and recommendation will be voted upon by the full House of Representatives.

Following the hearing Representative Calvin Say provided the following statement, "The House special committee has done its due diligence and found, like other investigative bodies before it, that there is no basis for this challenge. For me, I hope we can finally put this behind us and get on with the people’s business. Throughout the nine years of these challenges, I have seen these matters put squarely in the hands of my constituents and they have seen fit to return me to office each time. I look to focusing on matters of concern to my constituents and to all of the voters of Hawaii."

737 House Bills Continue Through Legislative Process

One month into the session, 737 bills, a little more than half the 1,515 bills originally introduced by representatives for the 2015 Legislature, are still being considered. The measures include bills relating to medical marijuana dispensaries, health care, transparency in government, the state’s public hospitals, affordable housing and the state’s fiscal obligations, including the Hurricane Reserve Trust Fund.

Today, Feb. 20, is the deadline for House bills to reach the final committee to which they’ve been referred.

Among the bills that continue to move through the legislative process in the House include measures that: create medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers, require the Office of Elections to implement elections by mail, appropriate funds for the Kupuna Care Program and an Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, require the UH Board of Regents to study the feasibility of selling or leasing the building housing the Cancer Center,

In addition, other House bills still alive include those that: address invasive species, increase the tax credit for low-income household renters, make permanent the counties’ authority to establish a surcharge on state tax, limit compelled disclosure of sources or unpublished information by journalists (Shield Law), and enable the Hawaii Health Connector to offer large group coverage.

All House measures that have passed the first lateral deadline can be viewed at http://1.usa.gov/1w7aLUy.

Hawaii State Legislature invites public to 7th Annual Art At the Capitol

Fifty years ago, construction began on the Hawaii Capitol that would transform the 24-acre historic site into the iconic five-story building where some of the most important legislative decisions have been made since statehood. With its open atrium, high ceilings and ring of columns erupting from a reflecting pool, the building is both symbolic of the islands and stands as a work of art in its own right.

That’s why on the 50th anniversary of the start of its construction, the Capitol building itself will be a major part of the focus for this year’s State Legislature Annual “Art at the Capitol” exhibit. The exhibit is being presented in conjunction with the Hawaii State Art Museum’s First Friday festivities on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. A program on the third floor kicks off the event in Conference Room 329.

More than 500 works of art by local artists placed in the offices of legislators and executive offices will be open to the public for viewing. Fifty-seven offices in both the House and the Senate, including the Public Access Room, and the Office of the Governor are participating.

“People are invited into their Capitol to visit the offices, chat with legislators, and learn a little more about the personality of the occupant through the art they chose to display” said Senator Brian Taniguchi (Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea), who has led efforts for the Art at the Capitol event. “People can wander the halls listening to live chamber music and later stroll over to downtown Honolulu and celebrate First Friday activities."

"It’s important to let your mind wander to places not usually visited during one’s busy day," said Rep. Isaac Choy (Manoa, Punahou, University, Moiliili) who coordinates efforts from the House for Art at the Capitol. “Art is a great distraction to get away and just imagine.”

However, it’s the Capitol itself that will be the featured “work of art.” Along with viewing the art collection, visitors may watch a short documentary featuring interviews with Governor George Ariyoshi, retired Judge James Burns (son of Governor John Burns), Uncle Joe Tassill (Capitol tour guide), and architect Frank Haines. The film will provide insight into the history of the Capitol.

Commissioned in 1959, construction on the Capitol did not actually start until November 1965 and was completed four years later on March 15, 1969. The original estimated cost was $24 million, but reduced to $14.5 million after public outcry at the original price tag.

The Hawaii Capitol was designed to reflect the historic and cultural significance and natural beauty of the islands. The number eight was incorporated into the building as a metaphor for the eight major islands of the Hawaiian archipelago. There are eight columns front and back of the building, groups of eight columns on the balcony surrounding the fourth floor, and eight panels on the doors leading to the Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s office.

The Capitol is surrounded by water symbolic of the Pacific Ocean, with columns, representing palm trees, rising from the reflecting pool. The curved, sloping walls of the House and Senate chambers were inspired by the volcanoes that gave birth to the islands.

But it’s the building’s open air design with its expansive entryways and open courtyard that has proven to be more than symbolic. The building is a wonderful piece of art and architecture, where function and design work hand in hand to encourages gatherings, dialogue and interaction—a perfect setting for Hawaii’s seat of government on an island known as “the gathering place.”

Guests will also enjoy entertainment featuring live music from the Hawaii Youth Symphony Quartet, and have the chance to mingle with lawmakers and artists. 

For a preview of some of the art in the offices, a video series called “What’s on your wall?,” can be found on the Art at the Capitol YouTube and Facebook accounts.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com /ArtatTheCapitolHI/videos

Art at the Capitol Background:

Art at the Capitol began seven years ago, as Senator Brian Taniguchi’s initiative to allow the public to view art acquired by the “Art in Public Places” program that are displayed in the Capitol offices. With more than 900 pieces of artwork in the Capitol, the idea was conceived following a conversation with a Hawaii State Art Museum docent about having legislators open their doors to the public to view the art collection – the people’s art. During its inaugural year, the Senate opened its doors afterhours for the Art at the Capitol event. With an overwhelming amount of positive response to the event, the House of Representatives joined Art at the Capitol the following year. In 2012, the Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s Offices participated in the event, making it the first time that all five floors of the building were open for Art at the Capitol.

Works of art are placed in public areas of the Capitol as part of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ “Art in Public Places” program, which seeks to enhance the environmental quality of state public buildings and spaces for the enjoyment and enrichment of the public; cultivate the public’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of visual arts; contribute toward the development and recognition of a professional artistic community; and acquire, preserve, and display works of art expressive of the character of the Hawaiian Islands, the multicultural heritage of its people, and the various creative interests of its artists. The program was established in 1967 and was the first of its kind in the nation.

Hawaii students to design and operate a NASA experiment on the surface of the moon

Moon RIDERS announcement at Kealakehe High School. Credit: PISCES

When state legislators provided funding for the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES), a Hilo-based state government aerospace agency under the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), they hoped that the education arm of the entity would encourage Hawaii’s students to shoot for the moon. 

Little did they expect that goal to be taken literally. But a partnership between PISCES and NASA will task students from Honolulu’s Iolani School and the Big Island’s Kealakehe High School to design and operate an experiment on the surface on the moon by the end of 2016. 

The experiment involves electrodynamic dust shield technology and the selected Hawaii students will be mentored by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The project came about through an agreement with PISCES and NASA to work on a Hawaii high school STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) project. 

“It's exciting that, out of all the public high schools in the State, Kealakehe was chosen for this. It really reflects on the students' hard work and achievements through the years, especially the robotics team,” said Rep. Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau). “I—and I'm sure everyone on the Big Island—take great pride in this amazing opportunity they have earned. I can't wait to watch the project unfold." 

“I am impressed and overjoyed by the selection of students from Iolani School to take part in this outstanding project,” added Rep. Chris Lee (Kailua, Waimanalo), a graduate of Iolani School. “My enthusiastic congratulations to all of the students who will take part in this great adventure, as well as their teachers and parents.” 

“To have Hawaii students involved in such a project with NASA is amazing and wonderful, and speaks to the level of talent and creativity we have among our young folks,” said Rep. Scott Nishimoto (Kapahulu, McCully, Moiliili). “It makes me very optimistic about the future of this state.” 

The dust shield experiment is the culmination of years of NASA research and development. The technology repels and removes planetary dust, which collects on surfaces like solar panels and space hardware, by using a high-voltage, low-current device. The technology has been tested extensively on earth, but has yet to be test in space or on the surface of the moon.